Translated Woman

Translated Woman tells the story of an unforgettable encounter between Ruth Behar, a Cuban-American feminist anthropologist, and Esperanza Hernández, a Mexican street peddler. The tale of Esperanza's extraordinary life yields unexpected and profound reflections on the mutual desires that bind together anthropologists and their "subjects."A stunning critique and reversal of the received image of the passive and humble Mexican Indian woman. . . . Engrossing reading at the hands of a skillful interpreter. --The New York Times Book Review

"A brave and unusual work. . . . A fascinating portrait of two very different women and their intertwined struggle for identity." --The Boston Globe

"A demanding and intensely satisfying read." --Hispanic Magazine

"Engaging and insightful. . . . [Translated Woman] takes readers deep into a cross-cultural encounter. . . . A valuable and subtle book."--ChoiceRuth Behar-ethnographer, essayist, poet, and filmmaker-is professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan. The recipient of a MacArthur Fellows Award and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, Behar is the author of several books, including The Vulnerable Observer. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.